Slavery was universal in the ancient world but Jesus brought good news for slaves: He said that we only have one master and we are all brothers and sisters. Jesus brought liberation from the guilt, shame and bondage of the evil within us, and the freedom to live in the joy of forgiveness and eternal…
In Luke 7:36-50, Jesus is at the home of Simon the Pharisee. A woman from the same town came to see Jesus, washed his feet with her tears and dried them with her hair, then she poured expensive perfume on them. This woman knew she was a sinner, and she knew that there is forgiveness…
In Luke 7:11-17, the woman touched the heart of Jesus. She was in pain and didn’t know what to do or where to turn. She admitted that she needed Jesus. This same Jesus still has the power to raise us above the circumstances of our lives.
In Luke’s version of the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus compared the spiritual values of life with the worldly values. One day the world system will be destroyed, along with all who have pinned their hopes on its values. Only God’s eternal values will remain … and those who trust in Him.
In Luke 24:13-35, two of Jesus’ disciples walked with Him on the road to Emmaus, but they didn’t realise it was Jesus until something dramatic happened. Their eyes were opened, and their hearts were moved to share the Good News that Jesus was alive. Will you allow Jesus to open your eyes?
Prayer is very important: “everything to God in prayer”. Pray without ceasing; keep persisting … just like the widow in Luke 18:1-8.
Faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see. Great faith in great promises leads to great results – as the centurion experienced in Luke 7:1-10.
In Luke 10:38-40, we read about Mary and Martha. Martha was doing all the work while Mary was sitting at the feet of Jesus. This year may you be a Mary rather than a Martha and choose to do first what matters the most.
God’s instruction manual – the Bible – encourages us to live our lives using God’s gift of the fruits of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22,23). So how have you done this year? May your new year’s resolution be to show love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, humility, faithfulness and self-control towards others.
Zechariah wasn’t as quick as Mary and Elizabeth to believe God’s promise. But in Luke 1:57-80, he comes around. Trust and obey: that’s what he needed to do all along. God has always had us on His mind. He will never leave us nor forsake us. It’s up to us to accept His free gift…